Hello!
My name is Risa Cullen. I grew up in Reading, Pennsylvania and attended Exeter Senior High School. While growing up, I was a member of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra and studied piano and viola privately. I attended Temple University and earned a Bachelor's degree in music education. I also recently earned my Masters degree in Music Education from Temple University. My first job out of college was being a long-term substitute K-6 General Music Teacher/Choir Director at Valley Elementary in Bensalem School District for six months. Immediately following that position, I was a long-term substitute high school orchestra director at Lower Merion High School for six months. After that, I began working at Springfield School District in 2017 as the full-time elementary orchestra teacher. After one year in that position, I began teaching Springfield's high school orchestra as well. Additionally, I am a viola coach with the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra- PRYSM division.
Both of my parents are professional music teachers, composers, and performers. My twin brother is the principal cellist of the Evansville Symphony Orchestra in Evansville, Indiana and my older sister is playing french horn with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
I enjoy spending time with friends and family, running, cooking, exploring Philadelphia, travelling, and reading!
I absolutely love my job and couldn't feel more grateful to teach orchestra in Springfield School District. We are lucky to be in a public school district with such a wonderful music program supported by administrators, parents, and the community. I hope you all take advantage of our music program from elementary school all the way through high school!